Benjamin

On the divide between the South Wichita and Brazos rivers, Benjamin was established in 1884 when 12 houses were built with lumber hauled from Wichita Falls. The city was named after town founder H.G. Bedford’s son, Benjamin, who was fatally struck by lightning as a child. The early center of cattlemen’s activities, the present seat of Knox County is still a major farming area for wheat, seedless watermelons, potatoes, and onions. The area is also known for wild hogs and was one of the first to post “wild hogs crossing” signs in the state. The area is also popular with hunters for its abundance of geese, duck, deer, dove, quail, turkey and wild hog. A jail was built in 1887 which still stands as a private home, and the safe of an old bank still stands next to the current sheriff’s office.

Local lakes Benjamin, Davis, and Catherine offer abundant water activities.